Latest Projects

Bringing together innovative ideas, research, international collaboration and creating long-term impact.

Seed Grant

Project Title: "Evaluating the Role of SMEs in Canada's Asymetric Defence Innovation Ecosystem".

Key Objectives:

1. Examine financing challenges facing Canadian defence startups and SMEs.

2. Assess international models of defence-focused investment and innovation fundings.

3. Evaluate the potential role of a Defence Innovation Bank in accelerating technology commercialization and procurement readiness.

Case Studies

Italian Trade Agency

Goals: This program was designed for Italian government officers so they can better support their SMEs across markets, particularly via the exploration of e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce/digital trade.

Target Audience: 30-35 Government officers.

Format: Online and physically.

Agenda:

Overview of global e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce landscapes
Relevant marketplaces and new players: Future developments of e-commerce
Analysis of E-commerce business models
Options for online sales: Marketplace, Standalone Store and Verticals
Relevant Laws and Regulations for cross-border e-commerce
Import purchase threshold and personal tax
Governmental initiatives: Implementing new bonded zones
New cross-border e-commerce business models
Step-by-step and preparation.

United Nations ESCAP

Program: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Trade Facilitation Initiative.

Goals: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) conducted its first survey on AI adoption in trade facilitation among ESCAP members.

Key activities conducted:

Advisory on the elaboration of the questionnaire
Commentary and edition of the Trade Facilitation Report (2026)
Webinar speaker.

St. Gallen Endowment
Digital Cooperation Organization

Goals: Profiled over 3,500 regulations on cybersecurity, data and consumer protection, trade to enable AI development.

DCO members served: Nigeria, Rwanda, The Gambia.

Outcome: Final reports were shared with respective ministers and presented at the WTO annual summit.

Alibaba Global Initiatives

Mission: The AGI mission is to share the positive impact of new business paradigm in promoting inclusive development and to inspire entrepreneurs, youth and women.

Dr. Renata Thiébaut served AGI as a board member, professor/trainer and representative for the Middle East, India and Latin American markets.

Program sponsors: Aliexpress, alibaba.com and Alibaba Business School.

UNU-EGOV

Goals: This training is designed to enhance internal capabilities with AI, addressing the

differences between traditional mindsets, the middle ground, and the youth’s perspectives. Participants will gain a better understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with this technology, thereby to address the frameworks and methodologies to reduce intelligence gap.

Target Audience: Sector-wise, government officers.